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Blog Tour: Hard To Get by Jaclyn Quinn (Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Gabe D’Angelo has it all. Designer clothes, luxury cars, a cool confidence most would envy, and a never-ending supply of money—and men. When he arrived in Haven’s Cove to be there for his best friend, he never imagined he’d end up extending his stay indefinitely. Small town living isn’t so bad after all, and the views are magnificent—especially the view of a sexy, rugged blond. But when that mysterious, brooding man refuses all Gabe’s advances, he is forced to take a step back and truly look at the person he’s become.

Nate Black moved from Boston to Haven’s Cove for his family. He’s missed small town living and the simple, tranquil life that comes with it. What he doesn’t bargain for is the pushy, spoiled playboy who’s set his eyes on Nate as his next conquest. Knowing this man has the potential to crack the foundation of his quiet life, Nate will do everything he can to protect his safe, closed-off world.

Is one man worth loving? Is the other worth the sacrifice? Or is the love they’re searching for not just hard to get but completely out of reach?

EXCERPT

There was that huge heart again, trying to see something in Gabe that just wasn’t there. Gabe smiled. “Jonah Taylor, always trying to save the world from heartbreak and pain. You can’t solve everyone’s problems, Jonah.”

Jonah smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “I can try. Look, I think you need a distraction. Maybe even step away from the whole Nate situation a little.”

“Why, Jonah, you sly fox. Are you offering yourself as the commercial break from my regularly scheduled program?” Gabe said seductively, laughing as Jonah turned the color of a ripe tomato.

“Gabe…” Jonah squirmed in his chair, and Gabe couldn’t keep up the teasing.

Jonah shook his head and chuckled, looking offended. “What are you trying to say? I’m vanilla?”

Gabe let his eyes roam over Jonah’s muscular body as he sat in the chair, making sure to take in every bulge. “Oh…no, sir. Not vanilla. Let’s just say, I enjoy something a little more sinful, and you definitely have angel’s food written all over you.”

Jonah’s skin was flushed from Gabe’s roaming eyes as he squirmed in his chair a little. “I’ll try to take that as a compliment.”

“Absolutely. You should.” Gabe smiled.

Jonah returned the smile, relaxing again, and said, “Why don’t you come to the gym with me? I can get you a pass. I know it’s not the fun you had in mind,” Jonah laughed, “but it could be a good distraction. Not to mention, the scenery isn’t all that bad.” Jonah wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

Gabe suddenly had visions of hot, sweaty bodies, muscles straining with exertion, grunts of men as they lifted. Why hadn’t he thought of it himself?

Jonah smirked. “By the look on your face, I’d say you’re interested.”

Gabe narrowed his eyes then grinned. “I have to say, Jonah, for someone who doesn’t know me all that well you seem to have read me correctly.”

“Remember you said that,” Jonah said. “Pretty sure it applies to everything I’ve said to you just now.”

Gabe hung his head and laughed. “Walked into that one, I suppose.”

“So, you’ll come?” Jonah asked.

“Maybe a little later. Right now, I think I’ll go to the gym with you,” Gabe said and watched as Jonah blushed once again.

“And I walked into that one.” Jonah chuckled.

Gabe stood up and walked Jonah to the door. “Shall I follow you, or do you want to just give me the address?”

Jonah reached his hand in his pocket and pulled out his car keys. “I’m on my way there now. If it won’t take you long to get ready, I’ll wait in my car.”

“I’ll only be five minutes. I may be high-maintenance, but believe it or not, I don’t wear my Armani suits to the gym.”

Jonah chuckled again and nodded his head. “Okay, I’ll be in my car. The gym’s in Maple Grove, the next town over, but still only takes ten minutes to get there. You can follow me.” Jonah opened the door then turned back around with a wicked smile. “Oh, and by the way, even angels fall every now and then, and it’s twice the ride. Scorching on the way down, but the best fucking ecstasy you’ve ever felt on the way back up.” It was Jonah who winked that time, and Gabe found himself with a shitload more respect for the guy.

4 Stars

I wasn’t sure what to think of either of these men when I picked this book up. I’ll start with Gabe: At first, I was extremely put off by him. He was too pushy and wouldn’t take no for an answer and I really dislike men who make fools of themselves by throwing themselves at someone who clearly has no interest in them, but I quickly warmed up to Gabe. For as obnoxious as he could be, he was sweet, caring and willing to do anything to protect and help the ones who meant the most to him: His friends. It’s amazing that someone who has grown up in such a cold and unloving environment can turn out to be such a sweet and loving guy. I just wanted to cuddle Gabe.

Nate, ugh, I really disliked Nate. He was a judgmental twat and even after he starts to see the real Gabe and accept him into his and his daughter's lives, I still felt I couldn’t let my guard down. I just didn’t trust him. It took until almost the very end of the book for me to relax and feel confident that he wasn’t going to destroy Gabe. I will say though, he was an amazing father and I absolutely adored his little girl, Lily, who was a complete sweetheart and lit up every scene she was in.

Even though I didn’t let my guard down with Nate, I enjoyed these two men together. They had great chemistry and I liked watching them open up to one another and learn to trust again. Both men have been damaged by past loves and I completely understand why trust didn’t come easy for either of them.

This book also had some great secondary characters, besides just Lily. I loved Owen and Brody, and while I haven’t read their story yet, something I plan to rectify soon, I adored them. I also loved their friend, Jonah, whose story I’ll definitely be looking out for. These guys were great friends and a tremendous support system to Gabe, as well as Nate. I also absolutely adored Nate’s mom, Vicky. She was funny, friendly, spunky and a great cheerleader for Nate and Gabe.

This was an enjoyable read filled with some angst as well as friendship, sweetness, humor, love and plenty of hot sexy times. I’m definitely looking forward to visiting the quaint little town of Haven’s Cove again in the near future. Very recommendable!

*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I have been an artist from a very young age. From drawing cartoon characters and evolving into portraits, making jewelry, photography, and now writing. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends and couldn’t be more grateful.

I live in central New Jersey, love summers at the Jersey Shore, rock music, wine, sexy men, and laughing a lot with my amazing friends and family. Sunday dinners at my parents’ house are crazy, hysterical and you can count on a movie quote…or ten…being thrown out. Insults between siblings is how we show our love for each other!

When I’m not creating, you can find me reading books from my favorite authors. I’m a hopeless romantic, starving for passionate characters and always craving that happy ending, whether in reading or in writing my own books.